Qualitative
Quantitative
Definitions
a systematic subjective approach used to describe life experiences and give them meaning
a formal, objective, systematic process for obtaining information about the world. A method used to describe, test relationships, and examine cause and effect relationships.
Goals
To gain insight; explore the depth, richness, and complexity inherent in the phenomenon.
To test relationships, describe, examine cause and effect relations
Characteristics
- Soft science
- Focus: complex & broad
- Holistic
- Subjective
- Dialectic, inductive reasoning
- Basis of knowing: meaning & discovery
- Develops theory
- Shared interpretation
- Communication & observation
- Basic element of analysis: words
- Individual interpretation
- Uniqueness